S.1292 - Save Our Seafood Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Save Our Seafood Act (S. 1292) aims to permanently exempt aliens working as fish processors from the numerical limitations on H-2B nonimmigrant visas. This bill amends Section 214(g)(10) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to exclude specific fish processing roles from these visa limitations. It also repeals Section 14006 of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005, which likely contained a similar temporary exemption.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to ensure a consistent and potentially larger workforce for the fish processing industry by allowing more foreign workers to fill these positions without being subject to annual visa caps. This could stabilize the industry and prevent labor shortages. The repeal of the previous act suggests this is intended to be a permanent solution.
Potential Benefits
- Economic Stability for Seafood Industry: Ensures a consistent workforce for fish processing, preventing disruptions.
- Job Preservation: Helps maintain jobs within the seafood industry by ensuring companies can operate efficiently.
- Increased Production: Potentially increases seafood production due to a stable workforce.
- Reduced Labor Costs: May reduce labor costs for fish processors due to increased labor supply.
- Supports Related Industries: Benefits industries that rely on a stable seafood supply chain.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Wage Depression: Increased labor supply could depress wages for domestic workers in the fish processing industry.
- Reduced Job Opportunities for Americans: May reduce job opportunities for American citizens seeking employment in these roles.
- Strain on Local Resources: Increased population in fish processing areas could strain local resources and infrastructure.
- Possible Exploitation of Workers: H-2B visa holders may be vulnerable to exploitation due to their temporary status.
- Limited Skill Development for Domestic Workers: Reduced incentive for companies to invest in training and upskilling the domestic workforce.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. Immigration laws generally fall under the purview of the federal government. However, potential arguments against alignment could arise if the bill is perceived to negatively impact the general welfare of American citizens by depressing wages or displacing domestic workers. The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights outlined in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).